Party says Dickson neither demanded nor received money from aspirants
ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected allegations of irregularities in its candidate selection and fundraising activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no illegal payments were made and that the process was not influenced by favouritism.
The party explained that its decision to receive donations, levies and financial contributions from members, aspirants and supporters was lawful, strategic and permitted under its constitution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said political parties around the world depend on donations, levies and contributions from members, supporters and other stakeholders to finance their activities.
The party also denied claims that its operations were funded with money allegedly diverted from government treasuries, maintaining that its finances came from contributions by members, stakeholders and well-wishers.
NDC denies Dickson collected money from aspirants
Director specifically dismissed allegations that the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, demanded or received money from aspirants for his personal benefit.
According to the party, all financial contributions were paid into designated NDC accounts, properly receipted and managed by the relevant organs of the party.
He explained that the NDC was established without a sitting president, governor, minister or other public office holder, making it particularly difficult to build and maintain party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
As a result, the party said it adopted a proactive fundraising approach to finance its operations and electoral activities.
The statement read in part:
“The NDC therefore took a proactive decision to solicit financial support from aspirants, stakeholders, and members of the public to fund party operations. This is provided for in the party’s constitution.
“All such contributions, levies, and donations were paid directly into the designated party account and received and managed by the appropriate organs of the party.
“The National Leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use. All funds were duly received, receipted, and accounted for in line with global best practices.”
Party promises full financial disclosure
The NDC said it would provide a comprehensive account of its finances in accordance with the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The party also rejected claims that its electoral tickets were sold to aspirants.
According to the NDC, the presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of its confidence in the candidates selected.
“Does that mean that party tickets were sold in the NDC? The presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of our belief in the quality of the candidates. The same applied to several other candidates,” the party said.
NDC says fundraising is necessary ahead of 2027
The party described its fundraising efforts as essential to building a strong national opposition platform and supporting its candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
It said:
“The decision to seek donations and levies from members is not only appropriate but strategic. Our party is funded not by stolen funds from government treasuries at any level, but by donations, levies, and contributions from members, stakeholders, and well-wishers.”
The NDC challenged anyone who claimed to have paid money to an individual outside the party’s designated account to come forward and provide evidence.
It also said it was considering legal action against individuals it accused of spreading false claims about its finances and candidate selection process.
Party insists Dickson received no payment
The NDC further maintained that Senator Seriake Dickson was not paid by the party and had neither requested nor received money from anyone among the thousands of people who have interacted with him since the party was established.
The party urged the media, its members and the wider public to disregard what it described as false narratives, stressing that it remained committed to transparency, due process and justice.
